Da Voar Redd Up: Shetland's Spring Clean

Every year since 1998 volunteers from around Shetland take part in Da Voar Redd Up, a spring clean of Shetland's coastlines, beaches roadsides and public spaces.

The Redd Up has been managed by Shetland Amenity Trust since its start, and what began with a few hundred volunteers cleaning litter from local beaches has now expanded into the UKs longest running and most successful voluntary community clear ups, with over 20% of Shetland's population taking part, clearing in excess of 1,900 tonnes of bruck (that's litter, or rubbish, for those not from Shetland) to date from our environment.

To have more than 20% of our population take part annually is incredible. If Scotland were to achieve this participation rate, over 1 million volunteers would be required and for the whole of the UK over 13 million.

The issue of marine litter and plastics polution is one that Shetland has long been aware of, being at the edge of the Atlantic and North Seas. With more and more attention being drawn to the global problem of marine pollution, Da Voar Redd up was ahead of its time in taking community action to tackle the problem.

Sands of Breckon, Yell - one of five Shetland beaches to be awarded a Scottish Beach Award, celebrating clean, well managed, sustainable beaches.

Sita Goudie, Environmental Officer for Shetland Amenity Trust says 'This film celebrates the achievements to date, and the ongoing commitment of the community of Shetland. To have more than 20% of our population take part annually is incredible. If Scotland were to achieve this participation rate, over 1 million volunteers would be required and for the whole of the UK over 13 million. This level of participation is envied by many communities in countries all over the world.'